Explore an undiscovered corner of Greece on this 8-day self-guided tour of Zagori. Get off the beaten track and discover the beauty of rural Greece at your own pace.

What to Expect

A unique experience in rural Greece and the perfect adventure for those who prefer to explore places at their own pace. Discover the beautiful scenery in the region of Zagori with impressive mountain views, serene lakes, and spectacular gorges.

With transfers from Ioannina, you will have the opportunity to hike on your own in the region of Zagori by following the route notes and map of the area. You will stop off at various villages in the region and gain an insight into traditional rural life in northern Greece.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Ioannina Airport – Tsepelovo village
Arrive at Ioannina Airport at any time during the day and transfer direct to Tsepelovo village. Check-in at a traditional family-run guesthouse and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Tsepelovo – Vradeto – Beloi – Tsepelovo
From Tsepelovo, start walking up the path towards to Vradeto – the highest village in Zagori. Follow a beautiful path at the edges of the Vikos Gorge to reach the Beloi viewpoint. From there, enjoy excellent views of the Vikos Gorge. Return to Vradeto village and from there continue on to Kapesovo village through the famous steps of Vradeto – the stone path built in the 16th century at the slopes of the Vikos Gorge. The company vehicle and driver wait at the exit of the path to give you a ride back to Tsepelovo. Stay overnight in Tsepelovo. (Trek duration: 5 hours, 12 km).

Day 3: Tsepelovo – Kipi – Vitsa
Descend to where the Vikos Gorge starts, marked by the “Paliogefyra” – a stone bridge dated back to the year 980. Continue through a forest of pine trees where you will probably have the opportunity to find bear marks on your way. End up at the village of Kipi for a short stop for lunch and some rest. From Kipi, walk down into the Vikos Gorge again and, by crossing the “Misiou” bridge, reach the old stairs of Vitsa and continue to the village of Vitsa, built just at the edge of the gorge. Stay overnight in a traditional guesthouse in Vitsa. (Trek duration: 6 hours, 16 km).

Day 4: Vitsa – Vikos Gorge – Aristi village
Early in the morning, descend the old path into the Vikos ravine. Traversing the ravine, admire the rare varieties of wild birds and flowers that have found protection in it. Admire the impressive walls above the Vikos Gorge which reach up to heights above 1,000 meters. After about four hours, you will reach the Voidomatis river springs. Arrive early in the afternoon in Vikos village and transfer from there to Aristi village, where you stay overnight. (Trek duration: 7 hours, 13. 2 km).

Day 5: Aristi - Vikos – Mikro Papingo
After a morning transfer to Vikos village, you will enter the gorge again. Following the old up-hill path you will cross the beautiful ravines to Papingo village. Above you the “Towers of Papingo” rise up to an inaccessible place that no one can reach. Swim in the natural swimming pool of the village and then have a rest. Stay overnight in a traditional guesthouse. (Trek duration: 4 hours, 6km).

Day 6: Mikro Papingo – Dragon Lake – Astraka refuge
From Papingo, follow the mule trail up through juniper scrubs and on above the tree-lined path to open grassland, continuing from there up to the Astraka hut on the Astraka Col at 6,400ft (3 hours walk). Just to the north lie the mountains of Albania. After lunch at the refuge there will be an optional walk to the Tsoumani (Sarakatsani) sheepfolds and pastures up to the scenic Dragon Lake, perched on the edge of the northern escarpment of Mount Gamila. At 2,497m, it is one of the great peaks of the Pindos range. (Narrow, rough, up-hill stone paths). Return back to the refuge. (Trek duration 6 hours, 15.5 km).

Day 7: Papingo – Ioannina
Head back to Mikro Papingo after breakfast. Transfer from Papingo to Ioannina. Free day in Ioannina to visit the island and the museums. Overnight stay in a hotel in Ioannina.